Large Celtic Bronze Torque

A massive ancient Celtic bronze torque composed of a thick section of bronze twisted outward in spirals from the center, terminating in curled back finials at the ends.

Central Europe.Ca. 500- 200 BC. Width: 12 1/4 in. (31 cm).Intact.

The torque was a large rigid metal neck ring worn by Celtic men. It was a prestige item and a form of portable wealth. Typically the torque was spiraled and open at the front. Of the few Celtic statues that survive most depict the torque around the subject's neck. The torque was worn by members of the Celtic aristocracy and continued to be worn by Celtic warriors well into the Roman Period.

cf.: W. Menghin "Hallstattzeit," (Berlin 1999) pl. 63, 73.

Formerly an Austrian private collection, previously in an American private collection, 1960s.